How Do College Applications Affect Highschoolers?
For students, college applications are usually one of the most important things they’ll ever have to complete during their high school careers. They are anxiety-inducing, and it’s no wonder application season is known to overwhelm students when most of us are juggling extracurriculars, academics, and strict deadlines.
Bob Zapotocky, the head college counselor at Galloway, stated “close to the deadlines, you see students becoming more anxious.” He also emphasized that even the simplest parts of the application process can make students doubt themselves. “They’re worried that they’ll make a mistake, even though it’ll be reviewed even before submission.” Additionally, students sometimes feel like getting into a college with a single-digit acceptance rate is the reward for all the hard work they put into their grades. “But the reality is that everyone works hard. It’s not a reward system. The question is more about whether a school is the right match for you,” Mr. Zapotocky said.
When freshman Matthew Noble was asked whether college applications were on his mind, he stated that he was “thinking about stuff [he] can do inside and outside of school that looks good on applications.” But when I asked if he planned any of his classes, he said, “I don’t know.” As a freshman, feeling overwhelmed is common and college should not be at the forefront of students’ minds.
When asked what he would tell ninth graders who are worried about the application process and are trying to prepare for them, Mr. Zapotocky said that it’s important to “focus on learning how to learn first. If you don’t build strong study habits, note-taking, project management, and long-term planning skills, you’re setting yourself up for challenges later on. Once you have those fundamental skills, you can focus on figuring out what type of school fits you.” He added that students look at the top ten schools and try to fit themselves into that mold. “Consider what [..] environment and setting will help you thrive.”
Senior Caroline Lackey has a similar opinion. When asked when she started thinking about college applications, she said, “I started thinking more about college in middle school... it’s kind of been always on my mind.” She then went on to say that what she was looking for in a college shifted significantly as she got older even though she started thinking about it at a young age. Even though most students are thinking about college applications, what you want in a college does not have to be set in stone.
Among the rest of the students interviewed, there’s a theme of uncertainty. The goal of standing out in the application process causes students to stay in extracurriculars that they aren’t passionate about or excel in. Students shouldn’t feel pressured to stay in something just because it could look good on paper. Caroline also stated that you shouldn’t “start a club just because you think it would be good for [applications].” She added, “No one really cares that you're the president of, like a club that doesn't actually meet.” Caroline personally is boosting her application through her love of debate and journalism.
It’s apparent that while students like Matthew and Caroline are keeping their futures in mind, there’s still a lot of pressure to perform flawlessly inside and outside of the classroom. All students experience the weight of expectation – whether it’s applying for internships, juggling extracurriculars, or simply figuring out which classes to take.
Despite the pressure of school, it’s necessary to remember that applying to colleges isn’t about being rewarded for four years of work or simply checking boxes. While most students strive for perfection in applications, it’s important to remember that a 4.0 GPA and a 1580 SAT score are not everything to colleges. It’s still necessary to find something you’re passionate about and stick to it.
By Penelope Guest